“We don't have a moment to spare to bring housing costs under control. People in our community need relief, now.”

LOS ANGELES, CA, January 11, 2018 – Today, in the California Assembly's housing committee, a bill sponsored by Assemblymember Richard Bloom (AB-1506) failed in a 3-2 vote. In response, Democratic progressive candidate for the 54th Assembly District’s special election, Steve Dunwoody, released the following statement

“As housing costs soar, putting the squeeze on those struggling to make rent every month, we need solutions that will put bring down housing costs in California.

Those who voted down and would not support today's vote on this housing bill, had better be prepared with solutions right now for the people of our state, as to how we are going to deal with the skyrocketing rental rates, which are forcing people to move or putting them on the streets.

In Sacramento, keeping housing costs under control will be a top priority of mine. We need to take action on more than just rent control, though. We need to ensure that a significant percentage of new housing development includes affordable housing, and that we create more community land trusts, to spur the growth of more permanent affordable housing.

We don't have a moment to spare to bring housing costs under control. People in our community need relief, now, and you can be assured that I’ll make that very loud and clear in the Assembly.”